Do Fast Food Milieus Influence the Eating Behaviors and BMI of Adolescents?

Abstract

Background: The nutrition transition has commercialized fast foods worldwide despite of the evinced health hazards. This necessitates a scientific appraisal of the factors leading to fast food consumption and its associated Body Mass Index (BMI) status amongst adolescents. Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to assess the pattern of fast food consumption, factors affecting the consumption, and correlate the fast foods intake with the BMI of adolescents (16-19 years). Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomly selected sample of 219 adolescents across the gender, pursuing higher secondary education in an urban city of India. A structured questionnaire was bad ministered on understanding consumption pattern and their reasons for consumption of fast foods. Anthropometric measurements included height (cms), weight (kgs) and BMI. Descriptive statistics, spearman correlation, and factor analysis method were used for statistical analysis. Results: 14% and 24% of adolescents consumed fast foods once a day and three to four times a week respectively. Sweets and confectionary, burger, pizza, fried snacks, dairy desserts, and high fat sandwiches consumption showed a positive correlation with BMIn(p<0.05). Factor analysis indicated taste and advertising of the fast foods as the most influencing factors which accounted for 17.56% variance followed by 13.62% variance shown by affordable pricing, branding, and easy availability of fast foods. Peer influence and comforts eating showed a variance of 11.38%. Limited time availability and quick service indicated 10.06% whereas ambiance, food product quality showed 8.28% variance correspondingly. Conclusion: The factors recognized make a supplication for nutrition education interventions for adolescents.